Year of the Dragon

On February 10th this year, many cultures around the world will celebrate the Lunar New Year. Individuals in China, South Korea, Vietnam, and several other countries (including the United States) will come together with their families to observe this wonderful holiday. They will eat symbolic dishes— pork dumplings, noodles, and whole fish to name a few—and many will exchange red envelopes containing money. There will also be beautiful decorations. I happen to love the ones featuring the symbol fu (福), which represents “fortune” or “good luck.” 

I have celebrated the Lunar New Year since I was a small child. My loving parents, who are not from a culture that celebrates this holiday, often speak of my fascination with Chinese Spirituality and culture, a passionate interest that mysteriously began when I was four or five. Each Lunar New Year, my parents and I enjoy some of the aforementioned lucky dishes, exchange gifts, read our horoscopes, and talk about our wishes. 

I have also been blessed to grow up knowing older Taiwanese and Chinese individuals who have supported me in my journey with Chinese Spirituality and culture. They have loved my love for their cultures. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed Lunar New Year dinners with family and close friends, and my heart is always warmed by the memories of us reflecting on the past years and dreaming of the coming ones. Overall, I am not sure that I would be the poet or chaplain I am without the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, and even a bit of Chinese Folk Religion.

This year, the Spiritual Life Center will once again host a Lunar New Year giveaway outside the cafeteria on Friday, February 9th, from noon until 1:00 pm. We will have special candies, bracelets, and even red tassels for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy. I hope that you can stop by and say hello. I wish you a prosperous, healthy, and exciting Year of the Dragon.